Rail passengers are in line for a windfall with £1 million worth of free off-peak tickets up for grabs to some of Scotland’s top destinations.

The giveaway, by the ScotRail Alliance, is both a thank you to customers and an opportunity to showcase the huge variety of places that the rail network covers.

These free off-peak return tickets are available to claim online, on a first-come-first-served basis, from September 6 until the offer closes on 15 September. Those who get free tickets must use them between September 18 and November 30.

This leisure ticket giveaway follows a season ticket ‘thank you’ offer earlier this year, when the ScotRail Alliance and Transport Scotland jointly funded a week’s free travel for monthly and annual season ticket holders.

Alex Hynes, The ScotRail Alliance’s managing director, said: “We’re in the middle of building the best railway Scotland has ever had and this leisure travel offer is part of getting customers involved. Scotland’s rail network offers some spectacular scenery and we’d love as many customers as possible to get out there and enjoy it.

“These tickets are a way of giving some of our customers a free means to do so. We expect high demand, so my advice is claim your tickets early and enjoy the journey!”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands said: “I am delighted to see the ScotRail Alliance deliver this leisure ticket giveaway as part of our ongoing efforts to recognise and reward passengers for their custom and patience while we invest £5 billion to help transform Scotland’s railways. This builds on the free week for regular travellers earlier this year following the essential works at Queen Street Tunnel and Winchburgh, which was a testing experience.

“Our ambitious programme will bring enhanced station facilities and services with new, longer, faster, greener electric trains, alongside intercity trains connecting our cities. This should encourage more people out of their cars, bringing with that environmental and health benefits.”